Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central in the National Assembly, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mustapha announced his resignation in a letter dated August 14, 2026, addressed to the APC Ward Chairman of Gambari Ward 1 in the Ilorin East Local Government Area of the state.

The senator said his decision followed weeks of consultations with his constituents, supporters, political associates, stakeholders, and other well-meaning Kwarans over recent developments within the party in the state.

He said he joined the APC as a founding member because of its commitment to good governance, unity, and service to the people. Still, he expressed concern that the party’s current leadership in Kwara had departed from those principles.

“However, recent developments within the APC in our State, particularly the leadership of the Party in Kwara State, have departed from the founding core principles of collective unity and internal democracy on which the APC was built,” he said.

Mustapha said the development had eroded his confidence in the party’s leadership in the state.

“I believe political leadership must be anchored on integrity, competence, accountability and a sincere commitment to the collective interest of the people. The current leadership of the Party in Kwara State has fallen short of these standards and this have eroded my confidence in them,” he said.

The senator stressed that his resignation was not taken lightly, adding that it followed “careful reflection and extensive consultations” with relevant stakeholders and people across his senatorial district.

He said his decision was based on his belief that political leadership should remain centred on the people, principles and purpose.

“As a politician, I have always believed that politics must be about people, principles and purpose. Where the path of a political platform no longer sufficiently aligns with these convictions and the aspirations of the people one represents, the honourable thing to do is to chart a new course.

“I assure you that while my political platform may change, my principles, my purpose and my commitment to the people remain unchanged,” he said.

Mustapha, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, thanked President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership for the relationships and experiences he had gained during his time in the party.

“To the leadership of the APC ably led by H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I express my deepest gratitude for the relationships and experiences I have been afforded over the years,” the lawmaker said.

He, however, assured his constituents and supporters that leaving the APC would not affect his commitment to public service.

“I remain fully committed to serving the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria with integrity, dedication and in the best interest of humanity,” he said.

In May, Mustapha contested for the APC governorship ticket but lost to the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu. (Channel)